By Michael Guerin Chimichurri is good enough for punters to make an exception to one of Alexandra Park’s golden rules tonight. The exciting three-year-old returns to racing after five months away in race 5 tonight, his first start since taking on the likes of Akuta and Franco Indie in the Harness Million here in February. Back then he was a big, raw pacer with a torrent of speed but as he prepares for his return tonight co-trainer Steve Telfer says a vastly improved Chimichurri is ready to be unveiled. “We…
Author: NZHarnessNews
Blue September ambassadors 2022
Harness Racing New Zealand is thrilled to announce that it will be supporting the Prostate Cancer Foundation Blue September Fundraiser again this year. In 2021 the campaign raised more than $20,000, with hopes we can increase that to around $30,000 this year. Blue September is all about raising awareness of prostate cancer, encouraging men to get checked, and to raise funds for research and treatment. HRNZ’s campaign will run for the whole month of September with 10 male drivers wearing blue pants throughout the month. Every win they have wearing…
Classie Linc chasing hat-trick at Addington
By Jonny Turner A lack of recent racing doesn’t have trainer Bruce Negus too concerned about Classie Linc’s chances at Addington on Thursday night. The three-year-old resumes in race 5, having been freshened following back-to-back wins in May. With a good amount of work under her belt, Negus is expecting a forward showing from the filly who he is tipping to have a very bright future. “I think she is an outstanding horse and even though she hasn’t had a trial she has done plenty of work.” “We have some…
News Briefs : July 13
Lazarus about to head home Buzz sire and two-time New Zealand Cup champion Lazarus is in quarantine in the USA ahead of his flight back home. His first crop of two-year-olds are racing in North America this season, including Lifes A Puzzle, who’s won in 1:50.4. Lazarus will stand at Nevele R stud in Christchurch and is expected to serve at least 100 mares this breeding season. Best USA performance yet for ex Kiwi Former Kiwi pacer Anothrmastrpiece N has won his biggest race in North America, leading all the…
James’ half marathon for mental health
by Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk May was a big month for James Stephens. His “mate” Self Assured had just won his second Auckland Cup and Stephens, the champ’s strapper, decided on a two-fold plan – to run his first half marathon and to try and raise $2500 for the Mental Health Foundation in the process. Already the 24-year-old has achieved one of those goals and is halfway towards the other. With the Dunedin half marathon two months away his fund-raising has gone past his target already. “I’m so…
Addington Weekly : July 13
Here’s Greg O’Connor and Darrin Williams with the Addington News – July 13
Akuta nominated but no certainty for NZ Cup
By Michael Guerin Superstar three-year-old Akuta will be nominated for the New Zealand Cup but trainer Mark Purdon warns he could be in Australia by the time the great race is run. Akuta has been heavily backed with the New Zealand TAB, shortening from $15 to $7 second favouritism for the Cup at Addington on November 10. Purdon confirms the Northern Derby and Jewels winner will be in the initial nominations for the Cup but a start in the 3200m thriller is anything but guaranteed. “Coming back on the rating…
Amore Vita “potentially” better than Amazing Dream
By Adam Hamilton Nathan Purdon thinks Amore Vita is potentially the best horse he has driven. It is a huge call, but one we will see tested in a busy back half of 2022. The obvious question is how Purdon compares Amore Vita with champion mare Amazing Dream, who left his barn in February to continue her career in the US? “I think Amore Vita is potentially better,” he said. “Amazing Dream was such a great racehorse and so strong, but Amore Vita has that point-to-point speed that only really…
All options open for Bolt For Brilliance
By Michael Guerin All of trotting’s major targets are now back in play for Rowe Cup winner Bolt For Brilliance and that could include leading the Kiwi charge at the Inter Dominions later this year. The two-time Jewels winner went to a new level when he thrashed his opponents in the Rowe Cup at Alexandra Park in May, suggesting he may have closed the gap most of the way on champion trotter Sundees Son. With that crushing win coming at the end of a busy series of campaigns dating back…
Yesberg bags three – “it was a big thrill”
by Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk Driving or training three winners in a day is not unusual but a breeding hat-trick provided a career first for North Canterbury breeder Paul Yesberg at Addington on Sunday. “It was a big thrill,” said Yesberg, “I certainly can’t recall another day when it’s happened.” Trained by Paul’s son Trent, No Gee Ess Tee kicked off the treble, followed by King Arthur, trained by Joseph Gray, and then the Bob Butt trained and driven Khal Drogo. “What’s particularly pleasing is that these days…